Everyday Magic in 'My Beijing' by Nie Jun: A Graphic Novel Review
This was an unusual pick for me, one I hadn’t expected to enjoy—but it turned out to be a very happy mistake. I don’t typically gravitate towards this softer, more subtle art style, especially after having recently read Goodbye, Eri by Tatsuki Fujimoto, whose graphic and intense art style left a lasting impression. Coming from such a stark, hard-edged visual world, this book felt like a refreshing change. Initially, I thought it was going to be a father-and-son dynamic, which intrigued me enough to give it a go. To my pleasant surprise, it was a grandfather and granddaughter story, a pairing I have never come across in graphic novels before. This added an exciting, unexpected layer of warmth and depth to the reading experience.
The story follows Yu’er and her grandfather in a Hutong in Beijing, China, as they experience four interconnected stories: Yu’er’s Dream, Bug Paradise, The Letter, and Kids at Heart. Each of these tales showcases the magic found in the everyday, with quiet moments of wonder woven through. I personally really enjoyed Kids at Heart, as its endearing and tender nature stood out in a way that really resonated with me. My partner was particularly excited to read Bug Paradise because of the... well, bugs.
It’s challenging to pinpoint the exact style the artist uses, both in terms of visuals and storytelling. However, there are clear elements of magical realism, where the ordinary seamlessly transforms into the extraordinary. The art style, watercolour, is soft and gripping—these characters were incredibly beautiful to look at. The tenderness in the brush strokes complemented the story and made it clear to see why this book had been translated so carefully by Edward Gauvin. The focus on the extraordinary things hidden within the everyday was just surreal enough to keep me enticed.
There is something magical about the simplicity of these stories, the morals well-established, and the connection between character and story solid. I love how each story begins with a mundane activity and then, by the end, we realise the magic in the everyday. It felt a little like seeing an O. Henry ending, with all these events coming together in a magical and unexpected way.
Watercolour as a medium is fascinating, and the artist used it masterfully, infusing each page with a delicate, almost ethereal quality. The technique not only complements the story’s whimsical nature but enhances the emotional depth of each moment. The weightlessness that this technique offers made the book easy on the eye and effectively carried the tenderness of the narrative. These stories are as much about the relationship between characters as they are the relationship with their space—and this medium made that landing soft and beautiful.
It was my first time reading a graphic novel written and illustrated by a Chinese creator, and it’s safe to say that it won’t be the last time. My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder offers a unique perspective, providing a glimpse into Beijing’s culture and everyday life while still touching on themes that resonate universally. Nie Jun’s storytelling feels like a quiet return to childhood—a comforting home that is at once foreign and familiar.
